Case Study 4

The Owen Mumford Challenge

For many patients, being prescribed an injectable medication means their condition is serious. Whilst the move to this type of treatment may be a relief for some, others may
be daunted by the prospect of self-injecting. In fact, anxiety about self-injecting is one of several factors which can negatively impact adherence to treatment. Other factors include:1

Difficult-to-use injection devices

Injection pain

Forgetting to administer the medication

Committing to a strict routine or disruptions to an established routine

Being unable to see a benefit from the treatment

The potential consequences of poor adherence to long-term therapies are widespread. It can reduce the effectiveness of treatment and seriously impact a patient’s quality of life. Additionally, poor adherence can waste resources, increase healthcare costs, and potentially impact perceptions of the drug efficacy.

Providing patients with a device suited to them may help break down barriers to
self-injection.

50%
of patients with chronic conditions
are not taking medicines as prescribed2

The Analysis

Patients report a number of challenges with their self-injection devices. One of the
most significant challenges is ease of use – particularly where dexterity can be an issue, for example RA or MS. Problems could include:

Inability to easily remove the cap

Difficulties with holding the injector flat to the surface of the skin

Lack of grip on the device

Difficulties activating the device

If a patient cannot easily use their injector, they may worry that their medication has
not been administered.1

In addition, patients can struggle with storage and portability, particularly if there is a need for temperature control (e.g., for refrigerated medication) or if multiple devices
need to be transported because of large dose requirements.1

Another concern with self-injection is the physical and psychological pain associated with administration. Whilst drug formulation is a major factor of administration pain, a device that helps reduce or alleviate injection pain is a significant unmet need in many conditions. Ease of penetrating the skin is a factor which may help reduce perceived injection pain.1

84%
of patients prefer a prefilled device over a reusable device or vial and syringe4

Engineering Design

With over 30 years at the forefront of medical device technology, Owen Mumford understands that technologically advanced devices are only useful if patients use them.
As leaders in the design, development and delivery of self-injection devices, we continue to pioneer injection technologies to respond to changing patient needs.

Autoject® Micro is an example of a new technology developed from a demand for compact, discreet self-injection options. This compact design, which is the result of patented drive mechanism, offers patients convenience with storage, as well as portability. The smaller package also has the potential to lower cold store and logistics costs. The ergonomic design incorporates an oval shape and large grip detail on the cap to support less dexterous patients in treatment administration.3

In an effort to reduce the frequency of injections, more viscous and/or higher volume formulations are being investigated. Adapting a device to accommodate these requirements could mean an increase in device size. But as a result of its drive mechanism, Autoject® Micro can be readily adapted for use with more viscous solutions and/or higher volumes yet will remain a compact device. Furthermore, as a prefilled, single-use device, Autoject® Micro requires no assembly, making it easy to prepare and use.

For flexibility, the Autoject® Micro can be adapted for a range of conditions and multiple treatments. Not only does Autoject® Micro provide you with an adaptable platform, it is also capable of supporting two methods of activation. These features can provide patients with
a greater sense of control over their treatment – giving them confidence to take it
as prescribed.3

As well as convenience, the discreet Autoject® Micro offers true auto-injection. This means the needle is inserted and the dose is delivered easily to the injection site following activation. There is also a large viewing window and audible and visual feedback at the start and end of the dose, meaning patients can be confident their medication has been administered.3

Sharps injury prevention ensures the needle is hidden before and after use. As the needle is concealed, this can help reduce the anxiety associated with self-injectable devices.3

Our Insights

Owen Mumford understands how the right device and routine can positively influence adherence rates and help make treatments manageable and effective for your patients. Hence, Autoject® Micro has been designed to improve adherence by overcoming barriers to self-injection, providing a versatile platform that can be adapted for a range of conditions.

Visit omdevicesolutions.com to learn more about how Owen Mumford can meet your specific self-injection needs.